After back-to-back 6-5 seasons and taking baby steps to becoming competitive in Class 5A, Alexandria Senior High is having high hopes this season in Year 2 of the Thomas Bachman era.

ASH held its second "Meet the Trojans" event Saturday inside the school's gym to highlight not just the football team, but the cheerleaders, pom line, dance team and the band prior to the start of the season.

The Trojans once again possess a potent offense that can put up bunches of points and it all begins with junior quarterback Ben Hesni.

A first-year starter last season, Hesni is getting more comfortable with the quarterback position as he enters his second year as a starter.

"It was a challenge last year, but I had to keep working hard," Hesni said. "Things come easy if you work hard every day."

Hesni will have senior leadership around him in two vital positions in wide receiver Jorien Vallien and left tackle Jared Byrd.

Vallien is coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and had a state-leading 296 yards against Ouachita last season, while Byrd is another on the long line of Byrds to make an impact on the Trojan offensive line.

"We really raised the bar this year," Vallien said. "We're really focusing on getting better as a team and we feel that we can go all the way."

Byrd added, "We have a lot going for us and have been working all summer. It's going to be a good season."

While injuries held back Alexandria Senior High last season, players such as senior running back Michael Orphey return to give the offense an extra push.

"This process made me appreciate the game and my team," Orphey said. "The knee is fine, it's getting better every day and it feels like it never happened."

Injuries also forced the defense to grow up quickly as many backups gained valuable playing time last season.

While depth is one issue of concern for ASH, Bachman is excited for senior linebacker Ja'Quarius Kendricks to take a leadership role — which is something he relishes.

"These are my brothers," Kendricks said. "We may clown a lot, but I just love them."

ASH will host the Cenla Jamboree Friday at J.L. "Butch" Stoker Field when it will face Menard in the second game. Franklin Parish and Peabody will square off in the first game of the Cenla Jam.